What Herbs Like Winter in Mild Zone 10?

Growers in zone 10 can produce fresh herbs year-round.

U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 10 has one of the mildest growing climates in the country, with the average lowest extreme temperature ranging from 30 to 35 degrees. This warm climate makes it easy to grow many herbs year-round, including during winter. Some warm-season annuals such as basil (Ocimum basilicum) need to be brought inside for winter protection, but many hardy perennials, biennials and cool-season annuals perform beautifully throughout the winter in zone 10.

Cool-Season Annuals

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) or coriander has wonderfully fragrant and tasty leaves and seeds used in many Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian dishes. It is a cool-season annual, preferring cooler temperatures over hot, making it a wonderful addition to the zone 10 winter garden. Growing your cilantro directly from seed because it does not transplant easily. If you must buy plants, gently transplant, trying not to disturb the roots, and provide extra water and care until the plants adapt to the new location. If allowed to bloom, cilantro plants will also produce coriander seeds for your spice cabinet or more seed for planting.

Biennials

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial, most often grown as an annual. The bright green curly or flat leaves are wonderful in food, offering plenty of vitamins and a mild flavor to dishes, but used most often as a garnish. Parsley continues to grow and provide leaves throughout the winter in zone 10 before going to seed the second year. For those who love butterflies, parsley is the favorite food source of the swallowtail butterfly (Papilionidae) caterpillar to munch on until they go into cocoon phase. Plant extra plants for them to feed on, and watch the life cycle of the swallowtail happen right in your own garden.

Perennials

Perennial herbs make up the largest group of herbs that not only live through the zone 10 winter, but also survive year-round. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare) and chives (Allium schoenoprasum) all grow and thrive in Mediterranean climates. Useful in all types of cooking, these herbs are also beautiful as decorative plantings in flowerbeds and container gardens or for use in floral arrangements. Cut perennial herbs often to encourage new growth and remove the flower stalks, which otherwise stop growth and cause the plants to focus on setting seeds.

Planting and Usage

Plant your herbs in sunny locations convenient for easy use. Full sun, adequate drainage and sandy soil mixed with organic material is the best combination for producing healthy plants. Enhance the flavors by harvesting your herbs in the early morning or late evening, when the oils and moisture are concentrated in the leaves and minimize washing because it removes the oils, reducing the amount of flavor in the herbs. For long-term use, freeze herbs in ice cube trays filled with water or dry them in a warm dark place, never in direct sunlight.

About the Author

Denver resident Heidi Medina is a home cook, food blogger, lifetime gardener and professional landscape designer. Her 20-year landscape career includes residential and commercial landscape design, installations and maintenance. Medina's recipes and cooking tips have appeared on the "Simply Sophisticated Cooking" food blog. A senior in college, she is working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Internet Technology with a specialization in web development.